Terry Lawrence, retired graphic designer and medical illustrator for the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has received the university's 2013 Staff Career Achievement Award. 

Lawrence retired from Virginia Tech in 2012 after 26 years of service.

Created in 2011 to recognize retiring staff members, the Staff Career Achievement Award is presented annually to up to five individuals who have distinguished themselves through exemplary performance and service during their university career. Nominees must have served a minimum of 10 years at Virginia Tech. Each recipient is awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

Among Lawrence’s many achievements were designing the college’s logo, providing the original concept drawing and design of the “Running Together” statue that greets visitors when they enter the college complex, and designing and producing the college’s VM Magazine, internal newsletters, countless brochures, floor displays, and banners.

In addition, Lawrence designed and assisted in production of the college’s 25th anniversary history book and created illustrations that were published in medical journals and books. Lawrence received numerous awards during his tenure, including the Dean’s Service Recognition Award, the university’s Academy for Leadership Excellence Outstanding Leader Award, and the Friend of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Award.

“Terry always approached his job with a keen attention to detail, dedication to producing quality results, and focus on serving others,” said Gerhardt Schurig, dean of the college. “He was highly regarded by peers for his integrity, positive attitude, and above-and-beyond work ethic.”

In addition to his many responsibilities, Lawrence also held leadership positions in the college’s staff association. He was a staff senator and represented the Staff Senate on the University Council. In addition, he was the founder of the college’s annual “Adopt-a-Family” program, which raises funds and responds to the needs of underprivileged families during the holiday season.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

Written by Catherine Doss.
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